The heavy metal community is abuzz with the recent fallout between Venom Inc.’s guitarist Jeff ‘Mantas’ Dunn and bassist/vocalist Tony ‘Demolition Man’ Dolan. The discord became public following Dunn’s departure from the band in December 2024, a decision influenced by health concerns and personal issues.
In a candid interview, Dunn expressed deep frustration over the lack of communication from Dolan during a critical period. He revealed that their last conversation occurred on March 26, 2024, nearly a month before Dunn suffered a second heart attack. Dunn lamented the absence of support, stating, “I did not receive one single phone call after that. I got the occasional text saying, ‘How are you doing?’ but he never called me.” This period was particularly challenging for Dunn, as his wife had been misdiagnosed with cancer, compounding the emotional strain. Reflecting on the ordeal, he shared, “Mentally I was worse than the first one. I didn’t come into [my] studio for months.”
Dolan, on the other hand, offered his perspective, recounting Dunn’s decision to step back from performances to support his ailing wife, a move Dolan respected. “He felt he wanted to stay there and be there for her, which, of course, you had to,” Dolan acknowledged. To keep the band’s commitments, Dolan continued touring, emphasizing, “I have to keep it going.”
The communication breakdown became evident when Dolan discovered Dunn’s permanent departure through an online statement, rather than direct communication. This revelation highlighted the growing rift between the two musicians. Dunn, feeling abandoned during his health crisis, expressed his disillusionment, stating, “All this proclaiming he’s my best friend, he’s my brother… I never got that opportunity.”
As of now, the future of Venom Inc. remains uncertain. Dolan has indicated plans to continue the band’s legacy, while Dunn has made it clear that reconciliation is unlikely, stating, “As long as I have breath left in me on this planet, I will never speak to him again.”
